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| A 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter drags a hose during a timed firefighter confidence course at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 16, 2017. Participants completed nine stages during the course including a ladder climb, hose drag, sled pull, hose throw, equipment carry, forcible entry, hotel pack, equipment hoisting, and rescue. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tyler Woodward) |
01.17.2017
Story by Senior Airman Tyler Woodward
380th Air Expeditionary Wing
SOUTHWEST ASIA—Deployed French and U.S. Air Force firefighters competed in a firefighting confidence course to ensure operations against Da’esh continue safely at an undisclosed location, Jan. 17, 2017.
Firefighters were required to perform ladder climbing, hose dragging, ax swinging, equipment hoisting and rescue carrying during the timed event while donned in personal protection equipment weighing roughly 50-75 pounds.
Chief Master Sgt. Mark, 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron Fire Chief, discussed the importance of developing Coalition relationships while in a deployed environment.
“The first time that we meet these guys shouldn’t be at the scene of a crash,” Mark said. “This training instills that sense of confidence that they are doing the same thing we’re doing and we’re doing the same thing they’re doing.”
The 380 ECES designed the course with the intent of strengthening the bonds and relationships between participants.
“It’s all about teamwork,” 380 ECES firefighter Staff Sgt. Jonathan said. “We’re coming together and cheering each other on as we’re doing the obstacles and also this stuff goes hand-in-hand with what we do daily.”
Coalition air power in support of Joint Coalition Task Force-Operation Inherent Resolve has assisted Iraqi Security Forces in the liberation of more than 50% of the territory held by Da’esh since December 2016.
Due to the high volume of sorties flown in support of OIR, firefighters must maintain strong relationships with Coalition partners.
“It’s very important for my guys to develop this relationship and exchange different techniques,” French Air Force Fire Chief Stephan said. “If there were ever a big incident with a French aircraft, I’m sure we would need their [380 ECES firefighters] help; it’s important to know how each of us work.”
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| A 380th Expeditionary Civil Engineer Squadron firefighter climbs a ladder during a timed firefighter confidence course at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 16, 2017. Fellow firefighters of the 380 ECES supported each member as they progressed through each obstacle. Participants completed nine stages during the course including a ladder climb, hose drag, sled pull, hose throw, equipment carry, forcible entry, hotel pack, equipment hoisting and rescue. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tyler Woodward) |
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| A French Air Force firefighter celebrates with U.S. Air Force firefighters after completing a firefighting confidence course at an undisclosed location in Southwest Asia, Jan. 17, 2017. 6 members of the FAF participated in the event. During the course, U.S. and French personnel supported each participant as they progressed through the obstacles. (U.S. Air Force photo/Senior Airman Tyler Woodward) |
